We are all under attack. Each day we are exposed to a dangerous and common group of molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that steal or "scavenge" electrons from other molecules. Many of the processes we call "aging" can be considered manifestations of the minute, cumulative damage done by free radicals to tissue such as skin, blood vessels, and brain.
There is growing evidence supporting the role of free radicals [oxidative stress] in human diseases and aging. Free Radicals are unpaired unstable molecules that wreak havoc in the body by causing your cells to actually rust, age, and degenerate. They enter the body by exposure to pollutants in the air, water, food, cigarette smoke, alcohol, drugs, medications, cold, trauma, toxins, radiation, and personal products used on skin and hair. Antioxidants protect against free radical damage. Adequate antioxidant protection cannot be provided by diet alone. However it is possible to get too much antioxidant protection, which is just as harmful as not getting enough. The Oxidative Stress Profile is a sensitive assessment utilizing challenge substances to evaluate the body's oxidative stress status, antioxidant reserve and interrelationship with liver detoxification. This test provides a powerful window on the status of the body's intra-cellular health, and allows clinicians to develop individual therapies for patients and monitor treatment progress..
Do you need antioxidants?
Discover the strength of your body's defense against free radical damage.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are nutrients that target and neutralize damaging "free radical" substances in the body. You may be familiar with some powerful antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and pycnogenol, which are contained in many foods and nutritional supplements.
How do antioxidants work?
To understand the benefits of antioxidants, you need to know how they fight free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are created by your body through the normal activities of digestion and respiration. Due to their chemical structure (a free radical lacks an electron), they are very unstable. So they seek out other molecules to steal electrons from them, which starts a chain reaction of molecular damage.
How are free radicals formed?
There are several sources that generate free radicals, including your own body, which creates them during normal metabolic function. They are also triggered by environmental sources including air pollution, tobacco smoke, pesticides, toxic waste and drugs. Factors such as aging, disease, medications and stress itself promote your body's free radical production.
Why are they harmful?
Free radicals constantly attack other molecules in a process known as oxidative stress. In the perfect situation, your body's normal cellular repair functions would be able to repair the damage created by oxidative stress. However, if you have an elevated level of free radicals and not enough antioxidants to balance them, cellular damage results. There are serious consequences. A single free radical can set off a chain reaction that can destroy an enzyme, a strand of DNA, or even an entire cell. Ongoing free radical damage leads to destruction of organ tissues and artery walls, and may be a contributing factor in the production of cancer cells. More than 100 disorders of the eyes, brain, muscles, lungs, kidneys, liver, digestive system, cardiovascular system and immune system have been associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has also been implicated in accelerated aging - its ongoing damage gradually alters how organs function, resulting in a variety of degenerative disorders that impair health and well-being.
How can I determine my body's oxidative stress level?
Fortunately, there is a simple analysis of urine and/or blood specimens that provides your health care professional with important information about your level of oxidative stress. This Oxidative Stress analysis assays several markers to determine the degree of free radical activity present and the availability of certain antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.
What can I do to reduce oxidative stress?
Conditions associated with Oxidative Stress
Accelerated Aging
Alcohol-induced problems
Allergies
Alzheimer's disease
Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
Asthma
Atherosclerosis
[Artery Cell Damage By Hardening Of The Arteries]
Cancer...Due To Increased DNA Damage
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain Or Fatigue Of The Muscles
Contact dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic cataracts
Drug toxicity
Emphysema
Energy-Related Dysfunction And Defective ATP Recharge
Faster Progression Of HIV/AIDS Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Heart disease and heart attacks
High Oxidative Stress Or Neuronal Stress
[Related To Cognitive Function]
Immune deficiency of aging
Inflammatory bowel disease
Iron overload disease
Kidney disorders
Liver cirrhosis
Macular Degeneration Of The Eyes
Modest Muscle Pain Following Stressful Exercise
Nutrient deficiencies
Obstructive lung disease and other respiratory problems
Osteoarthritis ["Wear And Tear" On Joint Cartilage]
Other Neurological [Nerve] Diseases
Parkinson's disease
Premature aging
Premature retinopathy
Reduced Immune System Function
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Senility and neurologic degeneration
Sinus Problems
Stroke Viral infections, including AIDS
Ask Yourself:
Your body has the amazing ability to fight diseases and even delay aging by protecting against free radical damage. But you might be overtaxing your system's capacity to handle all its challenges.
Take this quiz to determine your risk level for oxidative stress and its effects.
- Do you often get colds or have sinus problems?
- Are you under a lot of stress at work and/or at home?
- Do your muscles or joints ache after even mild exertion?
- Have you ever been diagnosed for chronic fatigue syndrome?
- Does your diet consist of fast food and/or mostly processed food rather than fresh vegetables and fruits?
- Are you often exposed to automobile exhaust fumes?
- Do you smoke cigarettes or cigars or use tobacco products such as chewing tobacco?
- Do you live or work with someone who smokes in your presence?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
- Do you take a multivitamin supplement less than once a day?
If you answered Yes to 2 or more of these questions, your body may be experiencing oxidative stress, making you vulnerable to degenerative problems.
